How long do dried flowers last?

If you are an avid social media user like us, then you might have noticed that dried flowers are everywhere these days. Whether they are being used at home, given as gifts, or even used at wedding’s, they are clearly the perfect alternative to fresh flowers!

This is no surprise to us - it is clear that they are a much more sustainable investment in comparison to their fresh counterparts. If you are someone who loves to brighten up your home, but aren’t in the budget for buying a new bunch of fresh flowers every week, then perhaps it's time to consider switching to dried as not only is it more for your money, but it’s also more eco-friendly. This is the perfect time to get your hands on a bouquet as due to their increase in popularity, they are now very easy to find online. 

Dried flowers will typically last for a considerable period of time, without needing any proper maintenance. The average lifespan of a dried flower bouquet is at minimum a year. When you consider that fresh flowers normally begin to wilt after 10 days, you can imagine just how significant dried flowers are as an investment for your home. What’s more, if your dried flowers have been properly preserved or dyed, then they can last anywhere between 3-6 years. 

Read on to find out the answers to these common questions about dried flowers: 

• What about preserved flowers? 
• Which dried flowers last the longest?
• Do dried flowers lose their colour?
• How do I care for dried flowers?

 

What about preserved flowers?

You may be thinking to yourself - surely dried flowers and preserved flowers are the same things? While drying is in itself a method of preserving flowers, dried and preserved flowers are still two very different processes. 

A dried flower will have been dehydrated, so that all the moisture has evaporated from it. Whilst, a preserved flower would have had its moisture replaced - normally with glycerine. This is a much more complex process, but is more effective in retaining the natural vibrance of the flowers, making them appear more alive. 

It does not matter whether you have normal dried flowers, or properly preserved ones, as they will both last the same length of time. And both will last significantly longer given the proper care! 

Which dried flowers last the longest?

One factor in determining how long your dried flowers will last, is the type of flowers you use in your arrangement. Not all flowers are the same, and there are certain species which will dry better than others, and in turn last longer. Some of the best dried flowers include: lavender, baby’s breath, and roses. 

Do dried flowers lose their colour?

How vibrant your dried flowers are will depend on a variety of factors. For example, if your flowers were dyed during the drying process, it is likely that they will remain significantly brighter in comparison to a bouquet that wasn’t. On top of this, how you store your flowers will also determine their colour - if stored properly, they should maintain their colour for a very long time. You will also need to be mindful of where you place your flowers in your home, as in direct sunlight it is normal for dried flowers to start fading relatively quickly. As long as you take care of how you store and care for your dried flowers, then you will not need to worry about them losing their colour.  

 

How do I care for dried flowers?

All in all, dried flowers are very easy to care for, and only require a little bit of maintenance in order to ensure that they last as long as possible. Here, we highlight four tips that will help you keep up the quality of your dried flowers:

Do not water them

Don’t be fooled by their appearance! Your dried flower bouquets do not require any water in order to thrive - in actuality water will cause your flowers more damage than good! If your flowers come into contact with water or humidity it can result in them turning brown, or even mouldy, which is the last thing you want in your home. All you need to do is to place your flowers in a vase and let them shine - and maybe try and avoid placing them in your bathroom, no matter how relaxing they make your bath seem!  

Handle with care

Similar to fresh flowers, dried flowers can be quite delicate, so it is very important that you apply care when handling them. One benefit is, that once you have displayed your flowers, it is not likely that you would need to touch them again. Just to be on the safe side, make sure you place your dried flowers on a steady surface to ensure they won’t be easily knocked over! 

Avoid direct sunlight

The most important step in maintaining your flowers is to avoid placing them in direct sunlight. This will have the most significant effect on your flowers, as the direct sunlight will dry, burn, and break down your flowers until they are unsalvageable. It will also cause the colours to fade quickly, eventually resulting in your flowers turning brown. In order to avoid this, place your flowers away from any bright windows, and somewhere where there is little to no sunlight. 

It is also important to keep your dried flowers out of direct heat as this will help maintain their quality for a longer period of time. If your flowers come into contact with a heat source, whether it be the sun, a radiator, or a kitchen stove, it is likely that they will become brittle.Therefore, making sure you keep your flowers in an advantageous position in your home is key in maintaining them for as long as possible. 

Keep them dust free

In terms of maintaining their appearance, it is vital that you make sure your flowers are dust free. Dust can make your flowers look run down, and once dust sticks to the flowers, it is extremely challenging to get off, without damaging the flowers in the process. If you ensure that you care for your flowers early, and keep them properly dusted, you will not have to worry about any damage coming to your flowers over time. If your flowers have been sitting stationary for a long period of time, it is likely that they will have a build-up of dust. To be on the safe side, it is best that you use a very light feather duster or soft cloth to remove this from your flowers, in order to maintain their vibrancy.  

Frequently Asked Questions around: Preserving dried flowers

Can dried flowers be kept forever?

Although they cannot be kept indefinitely, when given the proper care, dried flowers can last up to a couple of years. In order to ensure you are getting the most out of your flowers, you will need to take precautions, such as keeping them out of direct sunlight and dusting them regularly. 

Do dried flowers go mouldy?

If properly cared for, your dried flowers are unlikely to grow mouldy. It is only when they come into contact with moisture that they are put at risk. As long as you remember to not water your dried flowers, and also keep them away from a damp environment, then your flowers should remain in top condition. 

Can I spray perfume on preserved flowers?

Although dried flowers do retain a minimal scent, it is not as fragrant as having a fresh bunch of flowers. However, if you are someone who is sensitive to smells, this could be a perfect alternative for you! If you wish to give your flowers a more vibrant scent, it is important that you do not spray them with perfumes or fragrances. This can cause damage to your flowers, and will not last as long as you hope - meaning you would have to continuously respray your flowers, which will result in further damage. Instead, try placing a few drops of your favourite essential oils at the bottom of the vase that you keep your flowers in.  

Do preserved flowers attract bugs or insects?

Dried flowers are perfect for any occasion, whether that be a birthday, wedding, or just as a little sunday pick-me-up. They require little to no maintenance, and can be kept for a significantly long period of time without fading. And most importantly, they never attract bugs or insects!